The Beaconsfield Anzac Memorial Service was held on Sunday 21 April 2024. The weather was fine and the upgraded War Memorial Site on Bonette Reserve was ready. The service is always held on the Sunday before Anzac Day and this was the 25th year and acknowledgement was made to the late Tony Rushton, Beaconsfield resident who initiated and organised services.
Around 150 people gathered to remember service men and women who have served in wars and conflicts and to acknowledge the service of Beaconsfield servicemen and women. The Memorial Service started with a march along Woods Street from the Beaconsfield CFA station to the memorial. Piper Liam Irving and Berwick Guides and Beaconsfield Scouts led the service joined by Beaconsfield CFA team and members of the RSL and local community. Graeme Taylor, President of Beaconsfield Progress Association welcomed everyone. Casey Choir and Cranbourne Salvation Army Recorder Ensemble performed special pieces and accompanied the singing of God Save The King and the National Anthem.
Prayers were read by Pastor Duncan Becsi from Beaconsfield Baptist Church. The Memorial Address for Lieutenant Edgar John Marsden who served in WWI was written by Penny Harris Jennings and read by Cr Brett Owen. The President of Upper Beaconsfield RSL Eric Chaplin, OAM, read the Beaconsfield Soldiers’ names and the ‘Ode to the Fallen’ The junior members of Beaconsfield CFA assisted in the wreath laying by RSL members as well as Jason Wood MP, Cardinia Shire Mayor Jack Kowarzik and Cr Brett Owen, Beaconsfield CFA, Beaconsfield Progress Association, Berwick Guides, Descendants of Servicemen and a wreath to remember Animals in War. Rosemary sprigs were also laid. The Last Post was played by bugler Brad Inman and flags raised by Beaconsfield Scouts. A delicious afternoon tea was served at the Beaconsfield Kindergarten thanks to our local businesses Cake Stop and BGT café and BPA Committee.
Thank you to everyone involved in organising and participating in the day. Even though only a small team they did a great job. Thank you to Cardinia Shire for providing a grant from the Festivals and Events Fund.
Also, a huge thank you to the team led by Roland Rozario from Cardinia Shire who worked on the upgrade of the Beaconsfield War Memorial – Bonette Reserve. After all the planning, the work was done in just under 2 months and it was ready for the Service on 21 April. The site has had a lot of remedial work especially lowering the site to make the ground even and then paving the area. Also the underground power source, new flag poles, landscaping and indigenous native plants along with parking and footpath upgrades. Seating and signage will be installed shortly. There have been many favourable comments from the Beaconsfield Community about the upgrade and this area with the War Memorial originally unveiled in 1920, will continue to be a place where Beaconsfield Servicemen and Women can be remembered along with servicemen and women from all wars and conflicts.
